Schools to reopen on Monday

May 18, 2020 | News | 0

The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) has announced that all the schools across Vanuatu will resume Term 2, 2020 from Monday 18 May 2020.

The Ministry of Health confirmed on 11 May 2020 that there are no confirmed cases nor suspected cases of COVID-19 in Vanuatu since the first declaration of State of Emergency on 26 March 2020. Thus, the MoET announced the re-opening of the schools to students on Monday 18 May 2020. The schools are required to resume all classes and to have good hygiene and hand washing practices in place for students and staff.

Only the schools damaged by the category 5, Tropical Cyclone (TC) Harold, will operate on a special timetable developed by the school administration, depending on the situation on the ground with the support of the Provincial Education Offices.

The MoET Director General, Bergmans Iati, explained “Vanuatu has been facing some challenges this year with the COVID-19 preparedness and prevention as well as the damages caused by TC Harold.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Education and Training, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents, the communities and the schools who have joined hands to support the continuity of education for our children in Vanuatu.

“Home schooling has been challenging so thank you to all of you for your efforts. Education is a fundamental right for children, so it is now time for children to find their way to schools again. Hygiene measures will be implemented in all the schools. Of course, the schools impacted by the Tropical Cyclone Harold will only operate on a special timetable and will offer a safe learning environment to children including hygiene measures”.

Communities and parents are also encouraged to keep working closely with schools to ensure children can have access to quality education.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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